Cosmos 253

NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1968-102A

Description

Cosmos 253 was a first generation, low resolution Soviet photo surveillance satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome aboard a Soyuz rocket. The film capsule was recovered after 8 days. The mission was unsuccessful. On the 13th orbit the SA-20-1 camera's shutter responded to an uncommanded order to open. Radiation levels inside reached three times normal levels. Fifty-three percent of the data was lost.